Southeast Asia — the most varied travel health region
Southeast Asia encompasses wildly different health profiles. A beach week in Bali requires very different preparation from 3 months trekking in Myanmar border areas. Here is the Canadian traveller's guide to the main destinations.
Vaccines recommended for ALL Southeast Asia destinations
- Hepatitis A: All travellers to all Southeast Asian destinations without exception
- Typhoid: Strongly recommended — all countries have endemic typhoid
- Dukoral: Recommended for ETEC protection across the region
Country-by-country malaria guide
| Destination | Malaria Prophylaxis? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand — Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai | No | Standard tourist areas malaria-free |
| Thailand — Myanmar/Cambodia border | Yes | Rural forested border areas |
| Vietnam — Hanoi, HCMC, Ha Long | No | Standard tourist areas malaria-free |
| Vietnam — remote highland borders | Yes | Rarely visited by tourists |
| Philippines — Manila, Cebu, Boracay | No | Major islands malaria-free |
| Philippines — Palawan | Yes (Malarone) | El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa |
| Bali, Indonesia | No | Bali is malaria-free |
| Cambodia — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap | No | Main cities low risk |
| Cambodia — jungle/border areas | Yes | Drug-resistant malaria emerging |
| Myanmar — most areas | Yes | High transmission, drug resistance |
Rabies in Southeast Asia
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for extended Southeast Asia travel (>1 month), rural areas, and any traveller with likely animal contact. The Philippines has a particularly high rabies burden. Rabies immunoglobulin availability is limited in rural areas across the region.
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Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book 2024
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